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First for western NSW council – openly gay Greens candidate elected
Wednesday 24 September 2008
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said the election of Greens candidate Ray Goodlass to Wagga Wagga City Council was probably the first time an openly gay person had served on a western NSW council.
"Councillor Ray Goodlass will be a great asset on Wagga Wagga City
Council," Ms Rhiannon said.
"As a strong Greens campaigner and a candidate for the party in recent
elections Clr Goodlass brings a wealth of experience on a range of
social justice and environmental issues to his council position.
"Clr Goodlass plans to put a number of innovative climate change
programs to Wagga Council. If implemented Wagga will be in the forefront
of regional centres meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets.
"His strong connections with the arts community will help further
develop the innovative cultural programs Wagga currently runs.
"Clr Goodlass is a past Chairman of the Eastern Riverina Arts
Programand Board Member of Regional Arts NSW Ltd. He has now
relinquished these positions to avoid conflicts of interest. He was
Secretary of the Riverina Theatre Company for 22 years.
"Clr Goodlass is an organiser with the NTEU and an active member of the
local Landcare group. He has lived in Wagga for 29 years. He lives with
his partner, retired teacher Peter Carruthers.
"As a strong voice for progressive causes Clr Goodlass has worked on
the Your Rights @ Work Campaign, advocated for a new base hospital,
supported fairer treatment for refugees and is campaigning for a local
Relationships Register for same-sex couples," Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information:
Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568; Ray Goodlass 0412 363 718
